RHLI PART OF HAMILTON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DAY
May 7, 2005

Capt Tim Fletcher

The Canadian Forces, including the RHLI, have won renown not only in combat but on humanitarian missions around the world. Sometimes, that expertise is put to use at home, as we saw during the Manitoba Red River floods, the Eastern Ontario-Quebec ice storm (both of which the RHLI sent soldiers to) and other natural disasters. Thus, the army is a key part of our nation's emergency infrastructure. The new “Canada Command” will emphasize this capability.

It was only appropriate, therefore, to have the RHLI well-represented at Hamilton 's Emergency Measures Day on May 7th, 2005, in Bayfront Park. The Rileys, as part of Hamilton 's emergency establishment, showed the community the expertise we can bring when called upon. This isn't limited to armed assistance, which is almost unheard of within Canada. Military organizations such as the RHLI offer command and control abilities, logistics expertise, and a large contingent of trained personnel who are used to working in large-scale activities and are capable of taking independent action when required.

Ontario's Emergency Measures Director Julian Fantino spent time with RHLI CO LCol Guy Smith, centre and 31 Brigade representative LCol Joe Murray at Hamilton's Emergency Preparedness day on May 7th, 2005. The RHLI form a key component of local emergency capability.

The Riley booth featured visits from Julian Fantino, Ontario 's Director of Emergency Preparedness, and Bill Passel, the City of Hamilton Emergency Measures Co-ordinator, both of whom commented favourably on what they saw. The Rileys remain unique, trained and committed to our communities.

The RHLI booth at Hamilton's Emergency Preparedness Day at Bayfront Park was a big hit with the public and emergency measures officials. Hamilton EM Co-ordinator Bill Passel (dark jacket) was very favourably impressed after his visit with the CO, LCol Guy Smith as our soldiers displayed their capabilities and some of the equipment.

The RHLI took time for a group shot with Ontario's Director of Emergency Preparedness, Julian Fantino.